GAME REPORT

Fenerbahce Cruise Past Lotos

Fenerbahce guard Diana Taurasi exploded for 18 of her game-high 25 points in a decisive second quarter to lead the Turkish team to a 107-84 victory over Lotos Gdynia. Fener won for the fourth time and set up a battle of unbeatens next week when they travel to Russia to face UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Playing in Istanbul in front of an unusually sparse crowd of 750 fans, Fenerbahce only led 27-25 when USA international Taurasi took over.

She buried a three-pointer and after Ivan Matovic made two free-throws against her former team, Taurasi struck again from long range.

Taurasi ended up hitting four three-pointers in the frame as Fener outscored the visitors 33-16 for a 60-39 half-time lead.

Laszlo Ratgeber's team pressed home the advantage in the second half.

Penny Taylor, who was also very active in the second quarter, finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Matovic added 24 points, seven boards and four helpers.

Fenerbahce made 40 of their 70 shots from the floor, including eight of 13 (61.5%) from long range.

They were also good at the free-throw line, sinking 19 of 22 (86.4%).

Lotos Gdynia got 24 points and six assists from Monica Wright.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes Fenerbahce vs. Lotos Gdynia

László Rátgéber, Fenerbahçe coach:"It was so important game for us because we wanted to continue our winning streaks in front of our supporters. We are so happy for winning this game. Now there is an important game against Ekaterinburg next week. Congratulations to my players for their focus."

Diana Taurasi, Fenerbahce player:"Everybody played very well tonight. We played good basketball in our own court. Our supporters are great and tonight they were very important for us. My thanks go to our fans tonight."

Dariusz Raczynski, Lotos Gdynia coach:"We were very bad on defence. Fenerbahçe was great tonight and they also have very effective players like Taurasi and Taylor. Only Wright played good for us. Congratulations to Fenerbahçe."

Monica Wright, Lotos Gdynia player:"We must work a lot for the other games now. They wanted more than us to win this match tonight."